Updated April 2026 · 14 min read · Used by 1,000+ employers globally including Goldman Sachs, Shell, Unilever, Deutsche Bank
| Company | HireVue, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | South Jordan, Utah, USA |
| Products | Video Interview (pre-recorded + live) · Game-Based Assessments · Coding Assessments · AI-Powered Scoring |
| Major clients | Goldman Sachs, Shell, Unilever, Deutsche Bank, Barclays, IBM, Nike, Delta Air Lines |
| AI scoring | Analyses speech patterns, facial expressions, word choice, and answer structure |
HireVue is the world's leading video interview and digital assessment platform, used by over 1,000 global employers to screen millions of candidates per year. If you've received an invitation to a "video interview" or "digital interview" from a major employer, there's a very high probability it's HireVue. The platform combines pre-recorded video interviews with AI-powered scoring and — for many employers — game-based cognitive assessments embedded directly into the same session.
The standard HireVue pre-recorded interview works as follows: you log in to the HireVue portal from any device (laptop or phone), read the question on screen, and record your response using your webcam. You typically have:
HireVue's AI scoring evaluates multiple dimensions of your video responses:
| Dimension | How it's measured | Preparation tip |
|---|---|---|
| Word choice and language | NLP analysis of vocabulary, industry terms, response structure | Use specific, precise language. Avoid filler words (um, like, basically). |
| Speech fluency | Pause frequency, speech rate, disfluencies | Practise aloud until responses flow naturally. Record yourself and review. |
| Answer structure | STAR format recognition, completeness of response | Always complete the Result/Impact portion of your answer — many candidates trail off after Action. |
| Facial expressions (deprecated in some markets) | Emotion detection — positive engagement signals | Maintain eye contact with the camera, not the screen. Smile naturally when appropriate. |
| Energy and engagement | Voice modulation, enthusiasm detection | Vary your tone. Monotone delivery scores lower than expressive, energetic delivery. |
Note: HireVue announced reduced use of facial expression analysis in several markets following regulatory scrutiny. However, the NLP, speech, and structure components remain active across all markets.
For employers who add the cognitive component, HireVue delivers 4–6 game-based assessments embedded in the same session as the video interview. The most common games:
| Game | Tests | Difficulty level |
|---|---|---|
| Flashback (N-Back) | Working memory, sustained attention | High — most candidates find this hardest |
| Digit Span | Verbal working memory | Medium |
| PortraitXT / PuzzlePicture | Visual memory, pattern recognition | Medium |
| Arrows | Attention and inhibitory control | Medium-high |
| Card Deck (Iowa variant) | Learning from feedback, adaptability | Medium |
The game scores are combined with video interview scores using the employer's specific weighting model. For some employers (e.g. Goldman Sachs), the cognitive game scores carry more weight than the video content. For others (e.g. Barclays), the video content dominates. You will not be told the weighting.
Goldman Sachs: HireVue with heavy emphasis on cognitive games. 3 video questions + game battery. Numerical data interpretation games may be included for front-office roles.
Shell: HireVue VJT + ODVI combined. Games (Flashback, Digit Span, PuzzlePicture) + 3 video questions.
Barclays: HireVue pre-recorded video interview, 3–4 questions. RISES values alignment assessed via speech analysis.
Unilever (UK): HireVue game-based assessment + digital video interview as two separate steps in the UFLP process.
Deutsche Bank: HireVue pre-recorded video + cognitive assessment for some divisions.
Technical setup: Use Chrome or Safari. Test your camera and microphone before starting. Use a wired internet connection if possible. Film in a clean, well-lit environment — natural light is best. Look directly at the camera lens, not at your own face on screen. Dress as you would for an in-person interview.
Content preparation: Prepare 6–8 STAR stories before your interview. Each story should cover at least 3 different competencies depending on how you frame it. Practise delivering each story in under 2 minutes without notes. Common question themes: leadership, teamwork, resilience, commercial awareness, problem-solving, "why us?"
For HireVue cognitive games embedded in the video session, TestSolve provides a dedicated game preparation module — n-back practice, digit span drills, and pattern recognition exercises calibrated to HireVue's known difficulty levels. For video interview preparation, TestSolve's AI interview coach provides structured feedback on STAR answer quality, vocabulary, and response structure. Try a free solve.
As of 2026, HireVue assessments have evolved to include a variety of formats tailored to evaluate specific competencies. The game-based assessments, such as the Switch Challenge, typically consist of multiple rounds, each with a strict two-minute time limit. The total duration for these assessments, including instructions and transitions, usually ranges between 10 to 20 minutes. ([candidatefalcon.com](https://candidatefalcon.com/blog/hirevue-switch-challenge-time-limit/?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, the Numerosity game challenges candidates to solve mathematical equations quickly, assessing numerical reasoning and mental math speed. ([candidatefalcon.com](https://candidatefalcon.com/blog/hirevue-numerosity-format-explained?utm_source=openai)) These assessments are designed to be completed within a total session time of 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of games included by the employer. ([candidatefalcon.com](https://candidatefalcon.com/blog/hirevue-game-based-assessment-duration/?utm_source=openai))
Recent candidate experiences highlight the importance of transparency and communication in the hiring process. A 2025 survey revealed that 62% of job seekers cited poor communication as the top reason for a negative hiring experience, while 46% pointed to a lack of transparency. ([hirevue.com](https://www.hirevue.com/blog/hiring/hirevue-joins-2024-hr-tech-conference?utm_source=openai)) Candidates have also expressed concerns about the impersonal nature of one-way video interviews, describing them as "awkward" and noting feelings of anxiety due to the lack of human interaction. ([sovaassessment.com](https://www.sovaassessment.com/blog/why-companies-are-switching-from-hirevue-key-reasons-and-migration-patterns?utm_source=openai)) These insights underscore the need for employers to balance technological efficiency with a human touch to enhance the candidate experience.
In response to candidate feedback and legal considerations, HireVue has implemented measures to address potential biases in its AI-driven assessments. Following a 2024 lawsuit alleging the use of AI to assign "employability scores" based on traits like "conscientiousness" and "integrity," which was settled out of court, HireVue has emphasized the importance of fairness and transparency in its processes. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HireVue?utm_source=openai)) The company has also introduced features such as the Candidate Preparation Hub, providing practice tests and resources to help candidates feel more prepared and reduce anxiety associated with the assessment process. ([sovaassessment.com](https://www.sovaassessment.com/blog/why-companies-are-switching-from-hirevue-key-reasons-and-migration-patterns?utm_source=openai))
TestSolve delivers AI-powered answers to your phone in a few seconds. Invisible to all test platforms.
Try a free solve